African American Studies
Coordinator: Charles A. Dana Research Associate Professor Diana Paulin (English and American Studies)
The African American studies minor is designed to provide students with an overview of the historical, literary, theoretical, and political expressions of the peoples and cultures of the African diaspora in the United States. The minor consists of one course in each of four required disciplines, one elective at the intermediate level or above, and an integrating exercise of a senior-level seminar or independent project. All courses must be approved in advance by the coordinator. All other course requirements should be completed before embarking on the integrating capstone exercise. Students must earn a minimum of C- for all courses counted toward the minor.
Course requirements:
- One course at the introductory or intermediate level focused on the experience of African Americans/peoples of the African diaspora in each of the following disciplines (or in an interdisciplinary program covering relevant topics):
- History
- English
- American studies, educational studies, human rights, international studies, political science, sociology, or urban studies
- Music, art, fine art, theater, and dance
- One course at the intermediate level or beyond (ordinarily 300-level or higher) on topics pertaining to the African diaspora and/or to African American studies from any department or program.
- An integrating exercise consisting of one of the following:
- One senior seminar focusing on issues pertaining to the African diaspora/African Americans from any department or program.
- One semester-long project on issues pertaining to the African diaspora/African Americans under the supervision of a faculty member affiliated with the African American studies minor or approved by the coordinator.
- Senior thesis on issues pertaining to the African diaspora/African Americans, under the supervision of a faculty member affiliated with the African American studies minor or approved by the coordinator.
